Orioles in Sarasota

The Orioles hosted six youth baseball tournaments through June that attracted more than 18,000 athletes, coaches and family members to Sarasota County's Ed Smith Stadium and the Buck O'Neil Baseball Complex (BOBC). In addition, the Orioles continue to host local teams and leagues for games on major league quality fields at both locations.

Prospect Wire again hosted its Florida state finals for four age groups of high school baseball players June 8-12 at both Ed Smith Stadium and BOBC. The tournament is designed to showcase the players' abilities for consideration by college and pro scouts. The event included 2,000 participants and 1,000 spectators per day.

"We are thrilled to bring the tournament back to Sarasota and the Orioles' facilities," said MATT BOMEISL with Prospect Wire. "This is the largest amateur state championship in summer baseball. With that distinction comes the need for enough fields to host a tournament of this size. Between the Buck O'Neil complex and the Ed Smith complex, Sarasota is a great location. The Orioles have first-class venues that help us draw additional teams from out of the area."

Two Suncoast Baseball Tournaments scheduled in May and June attracted up to 20 teams each with more than 500 total participants and hundreds of spectators. The Orioles also hosted the Snowbird Classic in February and the Sarasota Baseball Classic in March. Eden Prairie High School from Minnesota brought 60-plus players for a week of practice at BOBC.

"Each year, youth tournaments generate thousands of room nights for local accommodations, plus spending at area restaurants and retail establishments," said DAVID ROVINE, Vice President, Orioles-Sarasota. "Working with partners like Visit Sarasota County, we will continue to build this type of business and provide an economic boost to the community. We also are diligently working to attract events other than baseball to Ed Smith Stadium."

In addition to major tournaments, the Orioles host local teams and leagues at the major league training facilities in Sarasota. Examples include Booker High School, Riverview High School, Riverview JV Baseball Tournament and Sarasota Little League.

Numerous venues may be booked at Ed Smith Stadium, including the World Series Suites, Third Base Lounge and Café 54, among others. Parties interested in facilities rentals may contact the Orioles at 941-893-6300 or via email to OriolesinSRQ@orioles.com.